Private Basis: City Tour of Old & New Dubai through Dubai Frame

Dubai never stops surprising with its blend of ultramodern skyscrapers, historic neighborhoods, and expansive deserts. While many travelers focus on iconic sights like the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Mall, this private tour offers a more rounded look at the city’s diverse charm. Combining a city tour of both Old and New Dubai with a desert safari, it’s designed for those who want a thorough, authentic experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we love about this tour? First, the way it balances cultural sights with adventure. Second, the convenience of round-trip hotel pickup and private transport. Lastly, the variety — from exploring historic souks to riding camels in the dunes, plus a delicious barbecue dinner with lively entertainment.

The only potential caveat? The tour runs around six hours, so it’s quite full on. If you’re seeking a slower, more relaxed pace, you might find it a bit packed.

This experience suits curious travelers eager to see both the old and new sides of Dubai, those interested in desert adventures, or anyone who appreciates seamless planning and authentic moments.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines Dubai’s historic districts with modern sights and desert adventures.
• Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and private transportation, saving you time and stress.
• Diverse Activities: Camel rides, sandboarding, henna, and traditional performances.
• Food & Drinks: All snacks, drinks, and a barbecue dinner are included, making it a full-day experience.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Desert camp decorated with traditional carpets, cushions, and Bedouin ambiance.
• Flexibility: Private tour means your group sets the pace and focus.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour offers a rare chance to experience both the vibrant cityscape and the serene desert within one day. It’s a great way to see Dubai’s contrasts—from the bustling alleys of the Gold Souk and the towering skyline of Downtown to the tranquil dunes and traditional Bedouin-style desert camp.

The City Tour: Old & New Dubai

We loved how the tour begins with a comprehensive exploration of Dubai’s best-known areas. You’ll visit Old Dubai, where narrow alleyways and souks evoke a sense of the city’s early days as a trading hub. Then, the journey continues to New Dubai, with sights like the Dubai Frame—a giant picture frame-shaped structure that offers panoramic views of both parts of the city. This visual centerpiece is perfect for photos and understanding Dubai’s rapid transformation.

The tour guide (noted for being knowledgeable and friendly) helps you navigate without the stress of self-driving, so you can focus on soaking in the sights and stories. Reviewers mention that the tour is “comprehensive,” though it’s worth noting some found it “not exclusive,” implying the experience covers the essentials without extra frills.

The Desert Safari: Adventure & Authenticity

After the city, the next highlight is the desert experience, included in the overall package. The drive over golden sand dunes, especially during sunset, is a genuine photo-op that travelers rave about. The camel ride is a traditional highlight, with some reviewers noting that it’s well-organized and enjoyable even for first-timers.

Additional activities like sandboarding are available, and reviewers mention that they appreciated how these come with guidance—making it accessible even for newcomers. At the desert camp, enjoying henna painting, aromatic sheesha, and relaxed seating with cushions adds a level of immersive authenticity.

Food & Entertainment

The barbecue buffet dinner is considered generous, with barbecue meats, salads, desserts, and drinks included. Reviewers describe the food as “sumptuous” and the setting as lively, with dance performances that round out the evening. It’s a good mix of laid-back enjoyment and energetic entertainment—perfect after a day of sightseeing.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Desert Drive & Sunset Views

The experience kicks off with an exciting drive over the dunes, which is not only scenic but also gives a taste of the desert environment that surrounds Dubai. The sunset views during the drive are frequently highlighted as a memorable moment, with some reviewers calling it “cherished.” It’s a peaceful yet thrilling introduction to the desert landscape far from the city’s hustle.

Arriving at the Desert Camp

Once at the camp, you’re greeted with a traditional Arabian welcome. The camp is styled with Arabian carpets, low tables, and cushions, creating a cozy, authentic Bedouin vibe. Here, you can opt for a camel ride, try sandboarding, or relax with a hookah pipe. Reviewers mention that the setup makes you feel like a guest in a true desert oasis, not just a tourist.

Cultural & Leisure Activities

The henna painting adds a fun, cultural touch, especially for those interested in traditional body art. The aromatic Sheesha is enjoyed by many, though some might prefer to skip it due to personal preferences or health reasons. The dance performances—which could include traditional or modern entertainment—are well-received and add an energetic finale to the evening.

Dinner & Evening Entertainment

The barbecue buffet is considered plentiful and flavorful, with some reviews mentioning the variety of meats and salads. After dinner, the dance and music performances keep the atmosphere lively, giving you a proper taste of Arabian hospitality and culture.

Practicalities & What You Need to Know

Duration & Group Size

At approximately six hours, this tour makes for a full but manageable day trip. The private setup means your group enjoys a more personalized experience, with flexible pacing. The fact that it’s a private tour ensures you won’t be mixed with strangers, allowing for more relaxed interactions and tailored attention.

Transportation & Convenience

The included hotel pickup means you don’t have to worry about finding meeting points or navigating Dubai’s busy streets. The round-trip private transport ensures comfort and efficiency, especially after a long day of activities.

Price & Value

At $160 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package that covers cultural sights, desert adventure, meals, and entertainment. Compared to booking separate experiences, this bundled approach often delivers better value, especially considering the convenience.

Reviews & Authentic Feedback

One reviewer pointed out that the safari was “overall good” but not necessarily “exclusive,” indicating that the experience is thorough but perhaps not ultra-luxurious. Others appreciated the comprehensive nature of the tour, making it suitable for first-timers who want a balanced overview of Dubai.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad introduction to Dubai. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking convenience, as the private transport and all-in-one itinerary take the stress out of planning. Families with children (who can participate with an adult) will appreciate the mix of cultural and adventurous activities.

If you’re a photo enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the opportunities for capturing both cityscapes and desert sunsets. Those who enjoy authentic experiences—like henna, camel rides, and desert music—will find it particularly fulfilling.

The Sum Up

This private Dubai tour effectively combines the city’s highlights with the thrill of desert life, providing a well-rounded experience suited to a variety of travelers. The inclusion of hotel pickup and private transport makes it especially appealing for those who want a hassle-free day.

While the schedule is packed, the variety of activities — from cultural sightseeing to desert adventure — keeps things interesting. The overall value is strong, considering the meals, entertainment, and transportation included in the price.

If you’re after a balanced, authentic, and convenient way to explore Dubai’s contrasting worlds, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s especially well-suited for curious travelers eager to see the city’s sights and try a taste of the desert without complicated planning or additional costs.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a city tour of Old & New Dubai, a desert safari with camel rides and sandboarding, traditional activities like henna and sheesha, and a barbecue dinner with entertainment.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about six hours, making it a full-day adventure.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it is a private activity, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Can children participate?
Children can join when accompanied by an adult, though specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, so it’s best to confirm with the provider.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for walking and outdoor activities are recommended. Consider modest attire for the city tour and desert activities, especially if visiting religious or cultural sites.

Is meals included?
Yes, snacks, drinks, and a barbecue buffet dinner are included, providing a substantial end to the day.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.

Who is the experience provider?
The tour is operated by Princess Tourism LLC, contactable at +971569919800 or [email protected].

Can I customize this experience?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s potential for customization; it’s best to discuss your preferences directly with the provider.

This Dubai experience offers a practical and authentic way to see the city’s best-known sights and indulge in a true desert adventure. For those looking to maximize their time and enjoy a seamless, engaging journey, it’s an option worth considering.